UNSPSC

UNSPSC is an internationally recognized eight digit coding taxonomy managed by the UN.
Amazon assigns a UNSPSC code to each product to ensure every item in its massive catalog is categorised uniformly across marketplaces, categories, and internal systems.

Why Amazon uses UNSPSC:

• Standardised categorisation across all marketplaces
• Improved product matching and catalog cleanliness
• Better search relevance and browse node mapping
• More accurate tax and regulatory compliance
• Support for machine learning models that rely on clean taxonomy
• Alignment with external standards used by governments and businesses

Structure of UNSPSC:
UNSPSC codes are hierarchical and follow a 4 level structure:

• Segment
• Family
• Class
• Commodity

Example:
 52161512

Each pair of digits narrows down the product classification from broad segment to specific commodity.

Where UNSPSC impacts Amazon workflows:

• Listing creation and backend categorisation
• Advertising relevance and targeting
• Search and browse experience
• Import/export compliance
• Tax code mapping and regulations
• Product safety and restricted products review
• Vendor and seller reporting

Benefits for Amazon:

• Cleaner, more accurate catalog
• Consistent classification across 1P and 3P listings
• Lower error rate in automated systems
• Better control over restricted and regulated categories

Benefits for vendors and sellers:

• Faster and more accurate listing approval
• Reduced chance of miscategorization penalties
• Improved visibility due to correct taxonomy mapping
• Better ad relevance for Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands

Common issues related to UNSPSC:

• Incorrect product categorisation leading to suppressed ads
• Wrong compliance or tax classification
• Restricted product review triggers
• Incorrect browse node assignment

Example:
A vendor lists a kitchen blender.
Amazon assigns an UNSPSC code under:

• Segment: Household goods
• Family: Kitchen appliances
• Class: Food preparation appliances
• Commodity: Blenders

This ensures the listing is properly categorized across all Amazon systems.

Why It Matters:
The UNSPSC code influences search relevance, compliance, category mapping, and catalog accuracy.
Correct classification ensures products appear where customers expect them and comply with global standards.

In short:
UNSPSC is a global product classification system used by Amazon to consistently categorise items across its catalog, improving search, compliance, and operational accuracy.